Meeting with Ambassador of Russia in Belarus Mikhail Babich

Belarus
President Alexander Lukashenko hopes that the period of work of Mikhail Babich
as the ambassador of Russia in Belarus will be the period of prosperity in
bilateral relations. He made the statement at the meeting with the Russian
diplomat on 10 October.

At the beginning
of the meeting the head of state remarked that they usually say something
important and formal on such occasions. “But perhaps, it would be better not to
limit my speech to a certain formal statement today,” the president said.

Alexander
Lukashenko reminded that there were different opinions and things in mass media
before the appointment of Mikhail Babich. “Perhaps, a response to these
statements is needed. It would be wrong to say that they are absolutely false.
But I cannot say that they are true either. Every group of people interested in
the Belarusian-Russian relations tried to project certain things through the
personality of the ambassador… You know that the previous ambassador worked in
Belarus for many years, the topic was not actualized in Belarus. And then a new
ambassador was appointed. Because of our relations with the Russian Federation
a certain group of people tried to say something using this opportunity,” the
head of state said.

“Frankly
speaking, there were many negative things. But I would like to say the
following thing: I hope that the period of your work at the Russian embassy in
Belarus will be the most active, efficient and breakthrough period. If this is
your goal, and I feel that it is, we will be a success. This is will be the
period of prosperity in our relations with the Russian Federation,” the
Belarusian leader stressed.

According to
Alexander Lukashenko, his confidence in it has strengthened after the
conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I do not conceal that we
discussed you candidacy several times. The president told me a lot. And we
agreed that by giving additional authorities to the ambassador of Russia (these
are broad authorities in the Belarusian-Russian relations, first of all, in the
economy and it never happened before) the president of Russia demonstrates that
Belarus is a very important country for Russia and that Russia will be building
relations with it,” the head of state said.

Alexander
Lukashenko recalled his recent response to various statements and even behavior
of Russian authorities that Russia is afraid and does not want to lose Belarus.
“Just like the authorities of Russia, I would have been worried about the fate
of Belarus: if it turns to the West, as certain people in Russia and here
sometimes say, or if it stays with brotherly Russia,” the president said. “I
will openly say: it makes no sense for us to move back and forth. I am the president
who once stopped fervent nationalism and other anti-Russian issues and held a
referendum so that our people could make a decision. The overall majority of
our people voted for the unity of Belarus and Russia,” the president said.

The head of state
emphasized that Belarus views Russia as a close ally today. “Russia and its
people will always give a helping hand if necessary. And we will do the same
for the Russian Federation,” the Belarusian leader assured.

“One things is
unshakable: Belarus is a sovereign and independent country. Sincerely speaking,
Belarus has become a sovereign and independent state not only thanks to the
efforts of our nation. Russia and the then government of Russia wanted it. The
current government spoke about the continuity of the course. And to speak in
the 21st century (as they write there) about incorporation, the
inclusion of Belarus in Russia is simply ridiculous. I have never heard things
like that from the current president of Russia, from the previous president or
from the first president,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“I think we will
build normal relations. But I want you to know how I see the relations with the
Russian Federation. I hope that the period of work of Mikhail Viktorovich
[Babich] will make us and our children proud,” the Belarusian leader concluded.

Mikhail Babich
in turn said: “Since the very first days I felt the attention and willingness
to all colleagues to do their best to help me adapt as soon as possible and as
efficiently as possible. Efficiency relies on the tempo required from us by
Vladimir Vladimirovich and you. Because the frequency, depth and consistency of
our meetings even during the recent month and a half does not give us a chance
to relax. We will try to fill this tempo with concrete meaning,” the ambassador
said.